Haj pilgrims to require health certificate from 2026 onwards

In view of these requirements, MUIS and Singapore’s Ministry of Health have issued guidance to registered medical practitioners regarding the new mandatory health requirement and the required processes that need to be taken before issuing the certificate.

MUIS said that all applicants for the 2026 Haj are required to obtain the health certificate by Nov 21 from registered medical practitioners in Singapore – with expenses to be covered by the applicants.

The council will also prioritise senior applicants for the Haj, considering the Saudi ministry’s “stringent medical health requirement and the need to better support our senior applicants”.

“Those who are aged 70 years and above, who have received the Letter of Intent from MUIS and certified medically fit will get priority consideration during final selection for Haj 2026,” MUIS said.

This approach will be reviewed and adjusted for future Haj selection processes.

Applicants who have been assessed as medically unfit are encouraged to defer their Haj pilgrimage until their health condition improves, MUIS said.

MUIS’ fatwa committee also issued “guidance to facilitate those affected, particularly those not given a visa for Haj because of illness”.

The religious guidance allows for such individuals to postpone their Haj until they have recovered. 

A proxy may also be appointed to perform Haj on their behalf for those unlikely to recover from their medical conditions.

“If the Haj by proxy could not be fulfilled despite the best efforts of the individual, the Haj obligation is lifted, in line with the principles of avoidance of harm and difficulty in Islam,” MUIS said.